CVE-2015-7907 in Midas Gas Detector
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server on Honeywell Midas gas detectors before 1.13b3 and Midas Black gas detectors before 2.13b3 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, and write to a configuration file or trigger a calibration or test, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2018
The CVE-2015-7907 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Honeywell Midas gas detection systems, specifically targeting the web server component that manages device configuration and operational parameters. This vulnerability exists in firmware versions prior to 1.13b3 for Midas gas detectors and 2.13b3 for Midas Black gas detectors, exposing industrial security infrastructure to remote exploitation. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the device's configuration through unauthorized file system access, creating potential pathways for system compromise and operational disruption.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the web server's file handling routines. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass authentication protocols and gain unauthorized access to critical system files, particularly configuration files that control device behavior and operational parameters. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file write operations and can trigger sensitive functions such as calibration or testing procedures, which are typically restricted to authorized personnel only. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial environments where gas detection systems are critical for safety and security. The ability to remotely write configuration files or trigger calibration/test functions could lead to false alarms, system malfunctions, or complete operational failures that might compromise safety protocols. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical security measures are already in place. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of safety-critical systems, potentially leading to hazardous conditions or regulatory compliance violations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. This weakness is classified under the broader category of injection flaws that occur when untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query, and the interpreter evaluates it without proper validation. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability would likely be categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within the industrial control system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7907 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to the affected Honeywell Midas gas detection systems, ensuring that all devices are upgraded to versions 1.13b3 or later for Midas detectors and 2.13b3 or later for Midas Black detectors. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from general network access, while strict firewall rules should be configured to limit access to only authorized administrative interfaces. Additional security measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual file access patterns and authentication attempts, conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems, and establishing robust patch management processes. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial environments to identify potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive audit logs for forensic analysis.